Terms Used In Louisiana Revised Statutes 15:523

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • person: includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not. See Louisiana Revised Statutes 1:10
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

A.  The party seeking to introduce a certificate made in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. 15:521 shall, not less than ten days prior to the commencement of the trial, give written notice of intent to offer proof by certificate.  Such notice shall include a copy of the certificate.

B.(1)  The party against whom such certificate is offered shall be permitted to subpoena on cross-examination a representative of the department.  If the subpoena is requested at least five days prior to the commencement of trial or the person subpoenaed responds to the subpoena, the certificate shall not be prima facie proof of the facts shown thereon.

(2)  When the attorney for the defendant, or the defendant acting in his own defense, requests that a subpoena issue to a representative of the department, the request shall be in writing and shall contain a certification that the attorney or the defendant intends in good faith to conduct the cross-examination.

Acts 2003, No. 631, §1.